Dreaming of fresh powder and hitting the slopes soon?
As the mercury drops, NZ is itching to travel again and finally enjoy its hard-earned freedom. And there has never been a better time to explore NZ’s most epic ski and snow sports destination. In Queenstown, you can find world-class facilities and one of the longest ski seasons available in the Southern Hemisphere (from June to October).
No trip to Queenstown in winter is complete without skiing and without re-connecting with the region’s majestic mountain views. During the winter months, snow-lovers flock to Queenstown looking to hit the slopes.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a first timer, Queenstown offers not just one but four ski fields – the closest is just 20 minutes’ drive from the town centre. Each field offers varied slopes and terrain, providing a little something for everyone’s skiing or snowboarding abilities.
The Remarkables Skifield
Located 24km | 36 minutes’ drive from Crowne Plaza Queenstown hotel (check the map)
Open! Since 4 July. Closing 27 September 2020
Open Daily during School Holidays, from 9am to 4pm
From 20 July, open Saturday & Sunday, with potential for extra days to be added during the season
The Remarkables is a popular Queenstown ski field. Offering gentle slopes for first timers and beginners, dedicated freestyle areas, lessons and a recently built high speed chairlift, there are a total of 7 parks. The views overlooking the Southern Alps are magnificent and take an aerial view of Queenstown just below. The scenic Lake Alta is also a major scenic drawcard close to the ski tracks The Remarkables certainly lives up to its name as an amazing ski destination providing fantastic facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
Coronet Peak Skifield
Located a 16km | 25 minutes’ drive from Crowne Plaza Queenstown hotel (check the map)
Open! Since 26 June. Closing 27 September 2020
First Tracks from 8-9am daily from 6 July – 13 September
Night Ski on Wednesday & Friday nights from 4-9pm from 1 July – 28 August
Coronet Peak is NZ’s first commercial ski area, going back since 1947 when it was established. If you’re looking to maximize your time on the slopes, Coronet Peak offers night skiing every Wednesday and Friday from July until the end of August 2020 – this is a NZ bucket-list winter activity and a locals favourite. If you are a beginner, just wanting to learn how to ski or snowboard, the place also counts with extensive facilities and starter packs for the novice enthusiast. Coronet Peak is also a great option if you don’t want to travel too far from Queenstown and go on a mere 16-km scenic drive on sealed alpine roads.
Cardrona Skifield
Located a 60km | 70 minutes’ drive from Crowne Plaza Queenstown hotel (check the map)
Open! Since 26 June. Closing 18 October 2020
Daily operations from 8.30am – 4pm
Cardrona has the most extensive park facilities in the Southern Hemisphere and is notably one of New Zealand’s most popular ski resorts. In 2020, Cardrona turns 40 years old and is in full celebration mode with a nod to its origins. While Cardrona ski field is located a little further away – over the spectacular Crown Range – this ski field provides some of the most reliable ski conditions in the country. Due to the mountain’s high elevation and sheltered south-facing location, you can have confidence that the snow conditions will be swell.
Treble Cone Skifield
Located a 91km | 1h30 minutes’ drive from Crowne Plaza Queenstown hotel (check the map)
Open! Since 27 June. Closing 18 September 2020
Daily operations from 8.30am – 4pm
Treble Cone is close to Wanaka and is the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island. It is said to be the yang to Cardrona’s yin – think steep terrains and incredible views. This skifield is well known for its uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Although Treble Cone requires a 1h30 drive, it is a scenic drive taking to a dream ski location for advanced to expert riders (45% of all pistes are considered advanced and another 45% intermediate level).
With some of the most challenging terrain within the boundaries of a patrolled and protected ski area, our Crowne Plaza concierge highly recommends heading over the Crowne Range to check this field out.
Conclusion: What to do and Where to stay?
One of the most crucial elements of every successful holiday is finding the right accommodation – not only in terms of facilities, but also of standards of service. This is especially true for your ski holiday. Multi-award winning Crowne Plaza Queenstown is known as one of the best ski hotels in Queenstown, frequently awarded as NZ Best Ski Hotel.
The hotel is proud of its unrivaled central location, superb lakeside views and the exceptional and consistent level of service to guests year round – especially during the popular ski season. If you are looking for Queenstown ski accommodation, Crowne Plaza Queenstown offers free on-site heated storage room for snow gear available to guests.
The Ski, Stay & Play (www.skistayplay.co.nz) package is a way of getting more out of your Queenstown accommodation. Special rates are available, with no deposits required and offering full flexibility in case plans change.
The ski accommodation package is crammed with value by including:
complimentary breakfast for two
free car parking
heated storage for your snow gear
exclusive perks from trusted local partners (learn more)
daily $30 credit (!) towards your Après Ski food and drinks
Queenstown has flourished and grown into a world-class ski resort and with the expansion of ski tourism and the region as a whole, Crowne Plaza Queenstown is well-placed to provide the ultimate ski experience.
Learn more about our Ski Stay & Play accommodation package. Click here to find out more.
